THE U.S. HOUSE of Representatives  chamber (house.gov).

Now that Republicans have a majority in the House of Representatives and have elected a speaker, attention now turns to procedural rules that may be changed.

According to The New York Times, the proposed changes include:

• requiring 72 hours to allow members to study a proposed bill before voting on passage
• making it easier to propose amendments to bills
• connect increases in the federal debt limit to corresponding cuts in the budget.

Republicans argue that it will reduce the power of legislative leaders and give individual members more influence. Democrats counter that these and other changes will lead to gridlock and a possible government shutdown.

Biden makes trip to the border

IMMIGRATION OFFICER at U.S.-Mexico border (U.S. Customs and Border Protection photo).

For the first time in his time in office, President Joe Biden made a visit to the U.S-Mexico border on Sunday. According to United Press International, he plans to meet with American and Mexican officials to discuss the rising chaos at the border, caused in part by Central American refugees fleeing violence and poverty in their native countries.

Also in the news ….  Backers of the former Brazilian president – in an echo of the Jan 6, 2021 attack on the U.S. Capitol – stormed the government offices of their nation in the city of Brasilia on Sunday a week after the inauguration of the winning candidate.

Sports: Rams and Chargers lose

Both the Los Angeles Rams and Los Angeles Chargers lost their final games of the 2023 regular NFL schedule, but it was the latter team will live to play another day.

The Bolts lost 31-28 to the Denver Broncos, but finish with a 10-7 mark and a trip to the playoffs nevertheless. They will play the Jacksonville Jaguars (9-8) next week.

In Seattle, the Rams (5-12) suffered a tough 19-16 loss to the Seahawks. A field goal by Jason Myers in overtime was the difference. Both teams made crucial mistakes in the late going. Baker Mayfield threw a crucial interception late in the game and Myers muffed a chance to win the game in regular time when a field goal try hit the upright and bounced away.

Weather: Who’ll stop the rain?

Rain and clouds is the outlook for the West Orange County area right through the coming weekend. The forecast calls for afternoon and evening rain on Monday with a high of 62 and a low of 56.

Thunderstorms are expected on Tuesday, with a high of 61 and a low of 46. Mostly cloudy conditions will be in place Wednesday through Friday, with rain returning on Saturday.